The 2017 FFA Cup Final, to be played between Adelaide United and Sydney FC, will take place on Tuesday, November 21 at 7:30pm (AEDT) at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, the FFA announced today.
With Adelaide booking their spot in the big dance following a 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Campbelltown, FFA CEO David Gallop said the opportunity to break the attendance record set in Melbourne last year was too big to pass up.
“[The] FFA considered a range of factors in deciding between Adelaide and Sydney. It is important that, where possible, the Westfield FFA Cup Final is played in different locations around Australia to showcase the truly national nature of the competition.
“After weighing it all up and particularly considering the Hyundai A-League commitments and fixtures of both clubs around the Final date we decided, on this occasion, that the game should be played in Sydney.
“FFA is hoping to break the FFA Cup final attendance record beating last year’s number achieved in Melbourne.”
Adelaide United hosted and won the inaugural FFA cup in 2014, defeating Perth Glory 1-0 in front of a modest crowd of 16,142 at Cooper’s Stadium.
The 2015 edition saw 15,098 people attend Melbourne’s AAMI Park to see the Victory down Perth 2-0, while last year Melbourne City defeated Sydney FC 1-0 in front of 18,751 people at the same venue.
David Gallop, on behalf of the FFA, congratulated both sides on their efforts in the fledgling tournament.
“[The] FFA would like to congratulate both Sydney FC and Adelaide United for reaching the Westfield FFA Cup Final for a second time.”
Mark
Guest
I don’t have too many concerns about the choice, since Adelaide hosted their only final while Sydney travelled for theirs. But this annual controversy can be so easily avoided. Decide the home team by random draw.
Waz
Guest
Agree with all you’ve said. I’d I prefer the draw to be completely random although I’m happy with the lower league club always hosting an A league club, just from the practicality of not forcing part—timers to have to fly too often. Venue booking is difficult but agree a permanent venue would help. The Gold Coast, held during the Summer school holidays in either December or January would make an excellent venue and one likely to get considerable financial backing from government
j,binnie
Guest
Waz - Tend to agree. The FFA Cup appeared to use as it's "example" the FA Cup of years ago when that competition was "held" in some importance by the clubs involved, part of that mystique for the fans ,being the annual trip to the "big smoke" , by train or coach, to witness their club's highlight of the year. Much as that was a very successful "plan" to copy, the distances involved in our football geography almost demanded changes would have to be made and the powers that be certainly tickled their "example", many people believing that the "rigging" of the actual draw immediately denigrated the whole concept of the competition. From there it was just a hop,step and a jump to "killing off" the "annual trip to Wembley" which not so long ago was recognised as being a "habit" to be followed. Can that "flaw" be "fixed"? Highly doubtful,with our geography making it difficult to do any pre-booking of a venue that suits whoever has reached the final. Perhaps it has to be a mutually acceptable venue to all, like the Gold Coast, where "holiday atmosphere" can be created, for fan and family alike and where there is a council that appears to appreciate bigger than normal sporting events. Cheers jb..
Waz
Guest
Wrong decision? the criticism of the ffa is they invent criteria to justify a decision rather than having a clearly defined set of criteria to work from. The solution is to move the final to a free/random draw to determine who hosts it, and eventually move the whole competition to a random draw. The competition has developed an air of predictability about it with the grand finale ajwats dominated by controversy over who is hosting it. The ffa need to review and improve it otherwise it will just be one a pre-season Cup.
Ken Spacey
Guest
Well said Sir and all those seas were sold well before the day!!
Wayne
Roar Guru
How is 16k modest at Hindmarsh? Stadium only holds 16,500
Rilo
Guest
Hmmm I'm going top go out on a limb now and say that crowd record is pretty safe (unless the NRL crowd counters are working that night).